Tag

Polyethylene

All articles tagged with #polyethylene

science1 month ago•18 min saved

Microplastics Found Deep in Human Brains, More Common in Dementia Patients

A study of 52 donated brains found microplastics, including polyethylene, in all samples, with higher concentrations in newer specimens and three to five times more particles in some dementia patients, indicating the plastics can cross the blood–brain barrier and accumulate in deep brain regions. While the findings raise concerns about potential brain effects, researchers say causality isn’t established and more work is needed to understand exposure and health implications.

via Earth.com|

#brain #dementia #microplastics

environment-energy2 months ago•10 min saved

Hot Cups Leach Microplastics: Temperature Key in Takeaway Coffee

A new study shows takeaway cups shed thousands of microplastic particles when hot, with temperature being the main driver. In Brisbane tests, all-plastic cups released more microplastics than paper cups with plastic linings at both cold and hot temperatures, and hotter liquids increased releases by about one third for plastic cups. The researchers estimate that sipping 300 ml daily from polyethylene cups could expose a person to roughly 363,000 microplastics per year. To reduce risk, use reusable cups or request cooler drinks, and avoid pouring boiling liquids into plastic-lined containers. While health impacts remain uncertain, the study highlights how material choice and heat affect microplastic exposure.

via The Conversation|

#coffee-cups #environment-energy #microplastics

science8 months ago•2 min saved

Plastic-Eating Caterpillars Turn Trash Into Body Fat

Waxworms can eat and break down plastic, specifically polyethylene, thanks to enzymes in their saliva, and they store the plastic as body fat. However, a diet solely of plastic shortens their lives and reduces their mass, making them unsuitable for direct environmental cleanup. Researchers see potential in re-engineering their plastic-degrading pathways or using them in controlled, co-supplemented environments for plastic waste management and possibly producing insect biomass for commercial use.

via IFLScience|

#biodegradation #environmental-remediation #plastic-degradation